RTM cmte tackles request of motor vehicle group

THE City Council committee on roads and traffic management chaired by Councilor Romeo V. Calizo is looking into the request of motor vehicle drivers for them to be allowed to operate in some areas in the city.

This, after Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane endorsed to the committee the letter request of the LTODA Motor Sidecar Drivers plying Barangays 31, 34, 35, 36, and 37.

The drivers are likewise requesting that they be allowed to park in front of the De Oro People’s Commercial as their waiting area.

During the meeting, P/Col. Rizalino Borlagdatan of Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) said as stipulated in the traffic code motorized sidecars are not allowed to operate in the respective areas.

He said Sections 147 and 148 of Ordinance 10551-2007 provides that trisikad or tricycle for hire shall be authorized to operate only in the premises of any subdivision in the rural barangays or in areas or rural barangays where there are no adequate transportation facilities as certified to by the RTA.

The ordinance also provides that no person, whether natural or juridical, who owns and operates a trisikad or tricycle for ferrying and/or transporting goods, things, cargoes or passengers shall be allowed or permitted to operate unless they first secure a Mayor’s

Permit, pays the corresponding registration fee imposed under Revenue Code. He added that Section 7 of RA 4136 private motor vehicles registered under this classification shall not be used for hire under any circumstances.

Borlagdatan also manifested that motorela drivers have already been plying the said route. “Kung atong i-allow ang sidecar basin mag reklamo pud sila. We need also to protect those who are legal nga nag-operate diha,” he said.

Councilors Edna Dahino, Gaane and Roger Abaday suggested that the city looks for alternative ways for motorized drivers and that they will be given consideration during this time of crisis.

Councilor Calizo said he feels the passion of his colleagues to help the concerned drivers and give public convenience to cater to the needs of the constituents.

“Gusto pud nato tabangan ang mosakay kay sa giingon ni Councilor Gaane seldom lang makita ang motorela in that particular barangays … pero we also consider the law,” he said.

The committee agreed to refer the matter to the RTA for further study.